NBA 2018-19: Top 3 Small Forwards so far

Small forwards are arguably the most versatile players on the court. They are expected to score points, defend with high-intensity and also grab rebounds as backups to the center and power forward present.

They are expected to be capable enough to score in a plethora of ways, including perimeter shooting as well as points in the paint. A small forward is generally quicker and leaner than the power forward on the team, and should also pack a punch when it comes to physicality in the post.

Their agility and strength makes them competent to guard varied positions as and how the game demands, making them the most adaptive defensive entity for their coach to exploit at will. The NBA is filled with talented small forwards from top to bottom, with the best player on the planet -- LeBron James making a living at this position.

However, as a disclaimer, the following list of the three best this season (so far) does not include 'The King'. He missed 18 games due to an unfortunate groin injury, and even though he is still posting impressive numbers, there are other phenomenal talents currently justifying the small forward position in ways unimaginable.

Let's take a look at the top three SFs this year who have outmatched LeBron at this spot in their quest to be the best.

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#3 Kawhi Leonard (Toronto Raptors)

Kawhi's impending free agency is Toronto's immediate concern.

In the 43 games he has started for the Raptors, Kawhi has made up for the lost time from last season. He is back to being one of the best two-way players the game has ever produced.

The Claw is averaging a career-best 27 points a game this season so far, along with averaging 1.9 steals (5th best in the league) on the defensive end. His career-high average of 7.7 rebounds shows he is really holding true to the multifaceted needs of the small forward position.

Leonard has provided a much-needed assurance of a deeper playoffs bid to Ujiri and co. this year, and expectedly so, they'll be willing to pull out all stops to make him stay.

Highlight: In the very first game of 2019, Kawhi dropped a season-high 45 points on 16-of-22(72.7%) shooting, in a 122-116 win against the Jazz.

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#2 Kevin Durant (Golden State Warriors)

KD has been named an All-Star for the 10th straight season.

Kevin Durant joined an already stacked team in the Warriors, and made them invincible. His average of 27.5 points a game is the 5th best in the league right now as he continues to post outrageous numbers on a nightly basis.

Along with shooting in upwards of 51% from the field so far, he has also been dishing out dimes at a career-high rate of almost 6 per game -- something that gets buried beneath the razzle-dazzle in the bay area.

He carries the kind of nerves and skills that you need when going into battle against the very best in the game. His 10th All-star nomination saw him being picked first by LeBron in the All-Star draft for a second straight year.

Highlight: Back in November against the Magic, Durant dropped an insane stat line of 49 points, 9 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks, finishing 13-13 from the FT line.

#1 Paul George (Oklahoma City Thunder)

Paul George is the only legit push for an MVP bid chasing James Harden.

PG13 is playing on a whole new level down in Oklahoma City.

Oozing with a new-found confidence in his game, the six-time All-Star is shooting a career-high 41% from beyond the arc. Averaging the second most points in the league (28.7) as of this moment - only bested by Harden - George seems like the only player worthy enough to stand anywhere close to the Beard in terms of scoring this season.

What makes him complete is his elite two-way play, backed by a league-leading average of 2.3 steals per game. Across the 55 games he has played for OKC, Paul is also averaging career-high numbers in rebounds (8.0) and assists (4.1), along with pulling through his best shooting season (from the field as well as the three-point line) ever.

Highlight: In OKC's most recent win, George posted a mind-boggling triple-double of 47 points (season-high), 12 rebounds and 10 assists, netted eight three-pointers and shot a blazing 58% from the field.